The program for Radiologic Technology is based on a full-time, two-year (40 hours per week) course of study. Classes begin the first Tuesday of each September. The academic years run from September to August. It is divided into four, 16-week semesters and two, 14-week summer sessions.

Didactic classes are held Monday – Thursday. First-year students are scheduled for didactic classes from 7:30 – 10 am at the St. Joseph Campus. They then have until 11 am for travel time to the assigned clinical setting. They stay at the clinical site until 5:30 pm.

Second-year students are clinically assigned from 7:30 am until 2 pm. They have an hour of travel time to reach the St. Joseph Campus for didactic classes that last until 5:30 pm.

Semesters

Clinical education is broken down into six semesters with a required number of competencies that must be completed by the end of the sixth semester. Evaluation of the student’s positioning skills, equipment manipulation and use of radiation protection, patient care and knowledge of image production is conducted by the Clinical Coordinator, Program Director and qualified staff technologists.

Curricula for each semester is as follows:

Semester I

Semester ITotal Credits: 14

Introduction to Radiologic Science & Healthcare

This is a two-credit course designed as an introduction to provide an overview of the foundations in radiography and the practitioner’s role in the health care delivery system. Principles, practices and policies of the health care organizations are examined and discussed in addition to professional responsibilities of the radiographer. Course content will include an introduction to basic concepts of body mechanics, vital signs, EKG, and infection control. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the 6th semester as part of Professional Development class.

Radiation Protection

This is a two-credit course. Content is designed to present an overview of the principles of radiation protection including the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel and the public. Radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies and health care organizations are incorporated. Course includes all aspects of radiation protection, dose limiting recommendations, detection duties and the cardinal principles of protection. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the 6th semester as part of Professional Development class.

Principles of Imaging I

This is a two-credit course; content is designed to provide an overview of image appearance standards, creation of radiographic image through subject contrast, visibility and geometrical qualities. Exposure problems including kVp, mAs, time and distance are solved. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the 6th semester as part of Professional Development class.

Imaging Procedures I

This is a five-credit course utilizing lectures, demonstrations and laboratory practice. Items to be covered include radiographic anatomy and procedures and of the chest, abdomen, and barium studies. Physiology of body cells, tissues, bones and joints will also be studied. Pediatric & geriatric imaging for each procedure will be discussed. The students will identify radiographic anatomy, assess radiographic images for accurateness and identify evaluation criteria for a variety of procedures. This course integrates knowledge and skills from several didactic units. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the 6th semester as part of Professional Development class.

Semester II

Semester IITotal Credits: 14

Medical Terminology (online course)**

This is a two-credit course. This will be a self-study unit. This course is only required for students with no prior record of a terminology course. Students will be required to complete all tests on the intranet. All assignments must be completed by the end of the second semester. Course work includes medical suffixes and prefixes, word-roots, and combining forms. Evaluation will be based on unit tests.

Principles of Imaging II

This is a two-credit course; content is designed to provide an overview of field size limitation, scatter radiation and grids, film screen processing and special imaging systems and modalities. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the 6th semester as part of Professional Development class.

Imaging Procedures II

This is a five-credit course, utilizing lectures, demonstrations and laboratory practice. Radiographic anatomy and procedures for the upper and lower extremities, bony thorax, lumbar spine, and iodinated studies will be covered. Pediatric & geriatric imaging for each procedure will be discussed. Physiology of the urinary, circulatory, nervous, reproductive, endocrine, lymphatic and muscular systems as well the senses of sight, hearing, taste and touch will be studied. The pharmacology of contrast media will be introduced. The student will identify radiographic anatomy, assess radiographic images for accurateness and identify evaluation criteria for a variety of procedures. This course integrates knowledge and skills from several didactic units. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the 6th semester as part of Professional Development class.

Seminar in Radiography I

This is a three-credit course; content is designed to provide the basic concepts of patient care, including consideration for the diversity, physical and psychological needs of the patient and family. In addition the course will provide the student with advanced knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques, pharmacology and medical ethics and law. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the sixth semester as part of Professional Development class.

Radiography Clinical II

This is three-credit course. It incorporates radiographic room rotations, which includes CR, DR, PACS and the interventional suite. This semester also includes rotations into specialty areas of Nuclear Medicine and the GI Lab.

Semester III

Semester IIITotal Credits: 7

Imaging Procedures III

This is a three-credit course, utilizing lectures, demonstrations and laboratory practice. Radiographic anatomy and procedures for the cervical and thoracic spine, cranium, and facial bones will be discussed. Pediatric and geriatric imaging for each procedure will be discussed. The students will identify radiographic anatomy, assess radiographic images for accurateness and identify evaluation criteria for a variety of procedures. This course integrates knowledge and skills from several didactic units. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the 6th semester as part of Professional Development class.

Radiography Clinical III

This is four-credit course. It incorporates radiographic room rotations, which includes CR, DR and PACS and clinical experiences with minor special procedures. Radiography Clinical III includes specialty areas of Bone Density and Ultrasound.

Semester IV

Semester IVTotal Credits: 13

Imaging Procedures IV

This is a three-credit course. Topics to be covered include special orthopedic positioning, special gastrointestinal positioning and supplemental positions and projections that are not included in most radiographic routines. In depth image analysis of upper and lower extremity, the spine, bony thorax, chest, abdomen, skull and facial bones will also be included. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the sixth semester as part of Professional Development class.

Cross Sectional Anatomy

The course will provide a comprehensive study of cross sectional anatomy, with an overall focus using CT and MRI as imaging tools. Normal anatomic structures of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, spine and extremities will be presented in multi-planar sections. Images and diagrams are used to support the learning process. Evaluation will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests.

Radiographic Physics I

This is a two-credit course. Course content is designed to establish basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. Introduction will include magnetism, electricity, and electromagnetism. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the sixth semester as part of Professional Development class.

Digital Imaging

This is a three-credit course; content is designed to impart an understanding of the components, principles and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impact image acquisition display, archiving and retrieval are discussed. Guidelines for selection of exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system are also reviewed. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the sixth semester as part of Professional Development class.

Radiography Clinical Education IV

This is a Three-credit course. It incorporates radiographic room rotation which includes CR, DR, PACS, interventional suite and clinical experiences with portables, surgery, pediatrics and geriatrics. Radiography Clinical IV includes specialty area of Reading with the Radiologists.

Semester V

Semester VTotal Credits: 14

Radiation Biology

This is a two-credit course; content is designed to provide an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems. Radiation effects on molecules, cells, tissues and the body as a whole are presented. Factors affecting biologic response are presented, including acute and chronic effects of radiation. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the sixth semester as part of Professional Development class.

Radiographic Physics II

This is a two-credit course. Content is designed to establish knowledge in tube and generator circuitry. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, X-ray production and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the sixth semester as part of Professional Development class.

Seminar in Radiography II

This is a two-credit course; content is designed to provide the student the ability to evaluate all aspects of the imaging system from processor to generator. Lecture on quality control and quality assurance procedures within a radiology department will be covered. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the sixth semester as part of Professional Development class.

Independent Study

Students will be assigned a written research project that will include an oral presentation, video display or a scientific exhibit. The student will select a topic of their choice that is pertinent to Imaging. This project will be assigned two credits. This will enable the student to develop critical thinking, research and writing skills along with an appreciation for professional development. Evaluation will be on the basis of research organization, completeness and presentation. Successful completion of the independent study is a graduation requirement.

Radiographic Pathology

This is a two credit course; content is designed to introduce concepts related to disease and etiological considerations with emphasis on radiographic appearance of disease and impact on exposure factor selection. Evaluation for the semester will be on the basis of quizzes and unit tests. A final exam will be administered in the sixth semester as part of Professional Development class.

Radiography Clinical Education V

This is a three-credit course. It incorporates radiographic room rotation which includes CR, DR, PACS, interventional suite and clinical experiences with performing exams independently on which competencies have been met. Radiography Clinical V includes specialty areas of CT and MRI.

Semester VI

Semester VITotal Credits: 6

Professional Development/Registry Review

This is a two-credit course that serves as an overview of the entire program. This course will prepare the student for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam with reviews in each category and a mock exam on the computer. Also included is instruction on resume’ writing and interview skills. An average of the resume’, interview with a HR representative and all the final exams will determine the grade for this class.

Comprehensive Finals

Comprehensive finals are given at the end of each year. These are non-credit and are used to aid the student in developing test-taking skills for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of these examinations is required; see Comprehensive final policy statement under Graduation Requirements.

Radiography Clinical VI

This is a four-credit course. It incorporates radiographic room rotation which includes CR, DR, PACS, interventional suite and clinical experiences with performing exams independently on which competencies have been met. Radiography Clinical VI includes a limited second shift rotation. Additional rotations may be requested from the student.

Terminal Clinical Competency

At the end of semester III and VI (Summer Session I and II) all students will complete a terminal clinical competency assessment. Students will be assessed individually by two instructors. They will be given a scenario and must complete on a timely basis. This is a non-credit assessment but successful completion is required for advancement or graduation.

The curriculum is based on the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiologic Sciences as established by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the curriculum recommendations of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the Task Inventory of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The faculty presents the curriculum through formal lecture, laboratory and clinical applications to enhance the learning experience.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits are not accepted from other colleges and/or universities due to the highly specialized nature of the program. In addition, the program does not accept transfer students from other JRCERT accredited certificate programs.

School Officials

Program DirectorDiane Wingenter, MS, RTRPhone: 414-874-6410

Clinical CoordinatorAmy Rappe, BS, RTRPhone: 414-874-6416

FacultyKari Suhajda, BS, RTRPhone: 414-874-6417

There are also appointed clinical instructors at each clinical campus. The Technologists to student ratio is 1-to-1. The clinical staff works side-by-side with the students. Students never take the place of pain personnel.